Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa, an influential chef whose restaurants span five continents, was among the inductees at the 19th annual California Hall of Fame ceremony held March 19 at the California Museum in Sacramento. In his acceptance speech, he thanked the people of California, and his wife Yoko, for “believing in me and supporting my dream.” He is pictured with First Partner Jennifer Seibel Newsom, who hosted the event, and Gov. Gavin Newsom, who presented the medals.
Pictured from left: social systems scientist Riane Eisler, author of “The Chalice and the Blade”; Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, an all-women ensemble, represented by seventh-generation musician Crystal Hernandez and founding members Cynthia Reifler Flores and Patricia Martin; Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis; Olympic track and field athlete Carl Lewis; Olympic swimmer Janet Evans; Matsuhisa; Kimiko Burton, representing her father, the late state legislator John L. Burton.
Author Terry McMillan and former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger were unable to attend. Schwarzenegger gave his acceptance speech in a video.